Tag: newington

by Weston Ulbrich

Remembering Longtime Umpire, Dave Bindas

It is with deep sadness that we report the passing of David Mark Bindas of Newington (September 23, 1955 – March 31, 2025), a beloved umpire known for his dedication to local baseball. For over 50 years, he called balls and strikes with remarkable resilience. Since the 1970s, he officiated the Greater Hartford Twilight Baseball League, NCAA baseball, the New England Collegiate Baseball League, high school and youth leagues, including American Legion and Jaycee-Courant.

Dave Bindas knocked out by thrown ball, American Legion state championship, 1987.

Known for his wisecracking personality, Dave Bindas began his umpiring career with a humorous twist. While playing varsity at St. Thomas Aquinas High School in New Britain, he once argued a call with an umpire, shouting, “I’m going to become an umpire!” He did just that. At 18, he attended
Harry Wendelstedt Umpire School in Daytona Beach, Florida and then joined the Hartford Board of Umpires. He followed in the footsteps of his father, also a Hartford umpire, and the two shared the field, working games together.

Dave Bindas, Hartford Courant, 1990.

An avid Boston Red Sox fan, Bindas lived for baseball’s lighthearted moments, but he took umpiring seriously during the game. He was known for sprinting to a spot on the field to get a better view of a play. Everyone appreciated his hustle. For several years he mentored aspiring umpires by leading training classes for the Hartford Board. In the winter months, he ran up and down the basketball court officiating youth leagues in South Windsor. Perhaps he reffed basketball as training for his sprints on the baseball field.

In 2002, Bindas earned high praise from Jim Bransfield, a tough critic and sports writer for the Middletown Press:

“He’s a terrific umpire who hustles, is dedicated to his craft and for my money, is as good an umpire as there is around here.”

Jim Bransfield (1946-2018), Middletown Press
Dave Bindas umpires Class LL state championship, Muzzy Field, Bristol, CT, 2011.

Bindas’ most controversial moment came in the 2011 Class LL State Championship at Muzzy Field. With the game coming down to the wire between Southington High School and Newington High School, future major leaguer Sal Romano crashed a double that was supposed to score the winning run. However, Newington appealed to Bindas that the runner never touched home plate. He awarded the appeal and Newington ended up hoisting the trophy. His call made national news, and it became a subject of discussion between Cincinnati Reds announcers Thom Brennaman and Chris Welsh when Romano was called up.

We think Bindas had the right call. See here: Home-Sick: Did Spruill’s Foot Actually Touch Home Plate? (Patch.com – Ken Lipshez)

Dave Bindas (center), Class LL state championship, Muzzy Field, Bristol, CT, 2011.

Since the 1970s, Dave Bindas has been a constant presence in the GHTBL, earning camaraderie and respect from players and managers alike. Ron Pizzanello, a former catcher for the Vernon Orioles and current manager of the South Windsor Phillies, developed a strong bond with Bindas over hundreds of games with him behind the plate. Similarly, Tom Abbruzzese, longtime manager of M&T Bank, shared a connection with Bindas, rooted in their respect for the game.

“David would often compliment players on their exceptional performances. That alone was impressive on his part. I can also testify to the uplifting words of support that he would often express, especially to new baseball managers fielding teams for the first time.”

Tom Abbruzzese, Manager, M&T Bank
Dave Bindas makes a call at the plate, Beehive Field, New Britain, CT, 2016.

GHTBL wishes to express our deepest condolences to the Bindas family and especially to his two brothers. Rest in Peace, Dave.

“If I miss one, I tell them.”

Dave Bindas
Dave Bindas (left) and Dave Carter, Connecticut Board of Approved Umpires, Hartford Chapter, 2019.

In memory of David Mark Bindas

Sources

  1. Blue Knights Lose Heartbreaker in 10, Patch.com, https://patch.com/connecticut/southington/blue-knights-lose-heartbreaker-in-10, 2011.
  2. Some Umps Need More Training, Middletown Press, https://www.middletownpress.com/news/article/Some-umps-need-more-training-11909272.php, 2003.
  3. Legion Assignment Makes His Season, Hartford Courant, 1990.

by Weston Ulbrich

The Newington Capitols, A Twilight League Dynasty

What’s the best dynasty team in Greater Hartford Twilight Baseball League history?

Let’s make the case for the Newington Capitols.

The “Caps” seized seven Season Titles and six Playoff Championships between 1987 and 1998. Their championship streak rivals the dominance of two other twilight league dynasties: Moriarty Brothers of Manchester (25 pennants) and the Vernon Orioles (18 pennants).* However Newington captured more pennants (13) in a shorter timespan than any team. A total of 16 Capitols have been inducted into the GHTBL Hall of Fame—a strong indication of the team’s success.

Clay Alston (left), Hartford Capitols, 1978.
Mark Snyder (right), Hartford Capitols, 1978.

Evolving from earlier clubs, the Caps played in Newington from 1982 to 2001. They were originally Hartford Insurance Group, who won GHTBL Season Titles in 1972 and 1973. The team rebranded as the Hartford Capitols (1978-1981), when most games were held at St. Thomas Seminary in Bloomfield. Their true identity emerged after relocating to Newington under managers Robert “Bud” Lyons and GHTBL Hall of Fame inductee, Mike McDonald. When Dave Sacco took over as player-manager, Newington transformed from a competitive squad into a Twi-loop powerhouse.

1980 Moriarty Brothers Hartford Capitols
Steve Mooney (right), Hartford Capitols, 1980.

Sacco began managing the Caps in 1984, and he held the reins for 18 uninterrupted seasons. A master of recruiting and in-game strategy, he had the players to execute his vision. While earning the most all-time wins by any Caps pitcher, Sacco also managed the team to a remarkable streak of championships. Yet, the Caps were about more than just winning—they fostered a bond that extended beyond the diamond. Games became social events where families gathered, lifelong friendships were forged, and twilight legends were made.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is 1983-Jul-1-Newington-Capitols-Kurt-Washburn-GHTBL-Amateur-Baseball-1024x753.jpg
Kurt Washburn, Catcher, Newington Capitols, 1983.

One of Newington’s top hitters was outfielder Roberto Giansiracusa from the University of New Haven. He won the 1984 Batting Title, hitting .544—one of the highest averages in GHTBL history. The following year, he signed a minor league deal with the Philadelphia Phillies. Giansiracusa was one of many elite athletes on the Capitols with collegiate and minor league baseball experience.

Roberto Giansiracusa, 1985.

Many of the Caps were stars in college, with several hailing from Central Connecticut State University. Among them were pitchers Dave Sacco, Jim Snediker, Joe Rich, and Jason Schuberth, along with position players Mark Marut, Dave Rose, Pete Bartlewski, Jamie Palmese, Steve Bennett, John Mayette, and Jason Maule. Marut, a standout first baseman, left a lasting legacy both with the Capitols and at CCSU, where he ranks sixth all-time in home runs and fourth in slugging percentage for the Blue Devils.

Dave Rose, 1986.

Caps left fielder Tom Meucci, a Jacksonville University alumnus, briefly emerged in the Baltimore Orioles organization. As a GHTBL All-Star, he consistently led the team in RBIs. Meucci and Sacco stood as the only players to compete every season for both the Hartford and Newington Capitols (1978–2001). The Caps featured Rich Hollfelder, an All-New England outfielder at Quinnipiac University, Mark Zaleski, a power-hitting catcher from Stetson University, Jeff Peak, a steady presence behind the plate of Western Connecticut State University and Peter Zabroski, a utility infielder out of University of Notre Dame, who played eight seasons through 1983.

Gino Caro (left) & Tom Meucci, 1986.

Capitols from Eastern Connecticut State University included shortstop Mike Mangiafico, catcher Joe DeLillo and a control pitcher named Matt Mailman. Mangiafico anchored the Caps’ infield as a tremendous defender, contact hitter and relief pitcher. Their top bullpen arm was Chris Hayes from UConn, who also appeared with the Adirondack Lumberjacks of the Northwest League. Inbound Caps of UConn Baseball included Scott Cormier, Jack Hurley, Mike Malley and Jeff Uccello of Newington, a gifted catcher who signed with the Boston Red Sox in 1996. Other UConn graduates were Uccello’s older brother, Greg Uccello as well as former Bulkeley High School Bulldog, Gino Caro.

Mike Malley tosses no-hitter, 1986.

Newington’s first GHTBL Playoff Championship came on August 17, 1987, at Moriarty Field in Manchester. Second baseman Gino Caro sealed the victory with two home runs off Malloves Jewelers pitcher Todd Mogren. Capitols ace Jim Snediker dominated, striking out eight over a complete game. As a former minor leaguer with the Boston Red Sox, Snediker finished the twilight season with 6-0 win-loss record and a 0.87 ERA. He displayed elite command of the strike zone and three a no-hitter against Katz Sports Shop a few years later.

Newington undefeated in the playoffs, 1987.
Gino Caro, 1987.
Tom Meucci (right), 1988.

“In my thirteen seasons with the Capitols, we were always a close knit team. We played for each other, and we cared about winning. Those championship seasons were the best summers of my life. We all remain in touch, and the great moments that we had as Capitols will forever keep us connected.”

Gino Caro
Mark Marut’s grand slam, 1988.
Mike Mangiafico (left), 1989.
Jim Snediker, 1989.

The Capitols had a breakout season in 1989, posting a 31-4-1 record. Mike Schweighoffer earned Most Valuable Pitcher after going 7-0 with a 1.23 ERA. Schweighoffer was coming off four seasons in the Los Angeles Dodgers organization and gave the Caps a massive boost. Meanwhile, Scott Cormier led the league in home runs, earned Most Versatile Player and shared the Regular Season co-MVP with Jeff Johnson of Moriarty Brothers.

Tom Meucci (left), 1989.

“I have nothing but great memories with the Capitols. Dave Sacco assembled a team of talented, competitive players who loved the game, played the right way and played hard. We had great chemistry, and Dave kept it fun and light-hearted. There was no other place like our dugout! But make no mistake, once we stepped between the lines it was all about competing and winning. We had a potent offense one through nine, a deep pitching staff and solid defense – a nice formula for consistent success. But far more important than the games, the W’s and the championships are the friendships I made from that team. Dave and many of my Capitols teammates are close friends of mine today.”

Mike Schweighoffer
Mike Schweighoffer
Newington Capitols, GHTBL Champions, 1989.

After a sole season with the Capitols in 1989, Basilio Ortiz was named GHTBL Rookie of Year. Ortiz was a Hartford native, a star player for Bulkeley High School, and fellow alumnus Gino Caro was helpful in recruiting him to the Caps. Ortiz had a marvelous career at Eastern Connecticut before embarking on a 7-year career and 47 home runs with the Baltimore Orioles, California Angels and Montreal Expos organizations.

Basilio Ortiz

Newington would claim three consecutive Season Titles and Playoff Championships from 1989 to 1991. While Giansiracusa and Cormier led the club in average and slugging during the season, the 1991 Playoff MVP went to Gino Caro, who notched 10 hits, including two doubles, three triples, a homer and eight RBI. The Regular Season and Playoff Championship three-peat tied a league record set by Moriarty Brothers (1969-1971) and later matched by the Vernon Orioles (2016-2018). Then the Caps added a fourth-straight Playoff Championship in 1992.

L to R: Bob Scagliarini & Dave Sacco, 1990.
Scott Cormier, 1990.

Their consecutive victories were especially impressive given the level of competition during the 1980s and 1990s. Back then, GHTBL permitted metal bats (until 2004), and every team featured collegiate standouts and local prospects. The Caps overpowered opponents with ear-ringing extra base hits and a durable pitching staff. Not only did they win games decisively, but they won in high pressure moments and they did so against perennial contenders for the league crown: Newman Lincoln-Mercury, Society for Savings, Malloves Jewelers, the East Hartford Jets, and the Vernon Orioles.

L-R: Dave Sacco, Mike Mangiafico, Bob Cogan & Roberto Giansiracusa, Newington Capitols, 1990.

“I like to think that I have confidence in the play I’m going to call. If it fails, I still think it’s the right call and I just live with it. I just had a feel for it.”

Dave Sacco, Player-Manager, “Mr. Newington Capitol”
Newington Capitols win Season Title, 1990.
Jeff Peak (left), 1990.
Gino Caro, 1991.
1991 Newington Capitols – Front row, L to R: Scott Cormier, Tom Meucci, Mike Mangiafico, Greg Uccello, Roberto Giansiracusa, Dave Rose, Pete Bartlewski, Kevin Beaudoin & Bob Scagliarini. Back row: Jack Hurley, Brian Driscoll, Jim Snediker, Dan Furst, Dave Sacco, Mark Marut, Todd Malinosky, Joe Rich, Gino Caro, Jeff Peak, Mike Schweighoffer & Bob Cogan.

In 1993, T.R. Marcinczyk suited up for a single summer with the Newington Capitols. Marcinczyk was a former Connecticut Gatorade Player of the Year at St. Thomas Aquinas High School (New Britain), who matriculated to Florida State University and University of Miami. Then he tore up the minors with the Oakland Athletics and Minnesota Twins organizations, swatting 108 professional homers over six seasons. Towards the end of his career, Marcinczyk came home to play for the New Britain Rock Cats.

T.R. Marcinczyk

With a formidable heart of the batting order, the Caps secured two more Season Titles in 1994 and 1995. Veteran outfielders Scott Cormier, Kevin Beaudoin, and Brian Marshall were forces at the plate. Cormier, a 19-year mainstay for Newington, earned GHTBL Most Valuable Player honors in 1996 and 1998. Beaudoin, a member of Bill Holowaty’s Eastern Connecticut National Championship teams, grabbed GHTBL Playoff MVP in 1992 and 1998. Marshall headlined for University of New Haven before claiming a GHTBL Batting Title in 1995, a home run title in 1998, and a rare Triple Crown in 1999.

Dave Rose (right), 1992.
Kevin Beaudoin, 1993.
Jack Hurley, 1994.

Throughout the mid-1980s and 1990s, the Caps leaned on pitchers Joe Rich, Jack Hurley, Todd Malinosky, Larry Brooks, Frank John, Bob Cogan, Joe Schuberth and Jason Schuberth. As a newcomer to the team, Schuberth nabbed five league awards, including Rookie of the Year in 1994 and Most Valuable Pitcher honors in 1996 and 1998. Dave Sacco declared Schuberth to be the twilight league’s best arm.

Capitols shut out Newman, July, 7, 1995.

Another key addition was Chris Corkum, known for his baseball school in East Windsor. He provided the Caps with clutch at bats when Newington shared the Regular Season co-title with the East Hartford Jets in 1997. Then they swept the 1998 Regular Season and Playoff Tournament on Corkum’s championship-winning, pinch-hit single in the sixth inning against BankBoston.

Chris Corkum, 1995.
Jason Schuberth, 1996.
1997 Newington Capitols – Front row, L to R: Scott Cormier, Jason Schuberth, Joe DeLillo, Todd Malinosky, Marcel Schoen, Tom Meucci & Kevin Beaudoin. Back row: Jamie Palmese, Jack Hurley, Ted Gregorski, Brian Marshall, Steve Bennett, Dave Sacco, Glen Klare & Mike Mangiafico.
GHTBL Standings, 1997.

When age finally took its toll, the Capitols gradually came to an end. They hung up their spikes in 2001, though the team’s legacy had already been solidified. Their meteoric rise was arguably the hottest streak of any twilight team. The Caps fielded a mix of pro-caliber players and local diehards who elevated the reputation of the league. Today, they are celebrated as one of the GHTBL’s all-time dynasties.

Jack Hurley pitching for Newington Capitols, 1998.
Capitols share Season Title with East Hartford Jets, 1998.

“The baseball was great. It’s amazing how massive a part of our lives it was. But, the best part of the Capitols by far, was the closeness, camaraderie and the lifelong friendships we all developed. There were other great teams, but we were the envy of the league in how tight knit we were as a group. Our closeness continues to this day.”

Dave Sacco, Player-Manager, “Mr. Newington Capitol”
Newington Capitols Pitching Staff, L to R: Jack Hurley, Jason Schuberth, Larry Brooks, Dave Sacco, Chris Hayes and Curt Sinatro, 1999.


The Newington Capitols had a 347-201-22 (win-loss-tie) record in 20 Regular Seasons record, a .609 winning percentage:

  • 1982: 12-9-3
  • 1983: 14-10
  • 1984: 17-5-2s
  • 1985: 10-14-2
  • 1986: 14-15-1
  • 1987: 20-8-2
  • 1988: 11-9-3
  • 1989: 26-3-1
  • 1990: 20-5-1
  • 1991: 20-10-2
  • 1992 16-15-1
  • 1993: 20-10-1
  • 1994: 19-9
  • 1995: 20-6-1
  • 1996 14-16
  • 1997: 23-5-2
  • 1998: 21-9
  • 1999: 19-13
  • 2000 17-16
  • 2001: 14-14

*Since 1929, only a handful of GHTBL clubs have won multiple Season Titles and Playoff Championships. Winning is tough, but winning pennants repeatedly is tougher. Among the hundreds of teams to enter the twilight league, about a dozen, including the Newington Capitols, can be considered dynasties. The following teams have captured more than five pennants:

Moriarty Brothers (1956-1989)
Season Titles: 12x (1964, 1965, 1967, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1974, 1975, 1980, 1981, 1985, 1988)
Playoff Championships: 13x (1965, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1975, 1977, 1979, 1980, 1984, 1988)
Total: 25

Vernon Orioles (1966-present)
Season Titles: 11x (2004, 2006, 2008, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2021, 2023)
Playoff Championships: 7x (1996, 1999, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2024)
Total: 18

Newington Capitols (1980-2001)
Season Titles: 7x (1989, 1990, 1991, 1994, 1995, 1997, 1998)
Playoff Championships: 6x (1987, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1998)
Total: 13

East Hartford Jets (1970-present)
Season Titles: 5x (1992, 1993, 1996, 1998, 2022)
Playoff Championships: 4x (2020, 2021, 2022, 2023)
Total: 9

Bristol Merchants (2001-2011)
Season Titles: 5x (2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2010)
Playoff Championships: 4x (2004, 2005, 2007, 2009)
Total: 9

Hamilton Standard (1955-2022)
Season Titles: 3x (1958, 1962, 1963)
Playoff Championships: 5x (1955, 1958, 1962, 1963, 1966)
Total: 8

Newman Lincoln-Mercury (1990-2003)
Season Titles: 3x (1999, 2000, 2003)
Playoff Championships: 4x (1994, 1995, 1997, 2003)
Total: 7

Society for Savings (1976-1993)
Season Titles: 3x (1979, 1983, 1984)
Playoff Championships: 4x (1982, 1983, 1985, 1993)
Total: 7

People’s Bank (2000-2022)
Season Titles: 3x (2001, 2007, 2011)
Playoff Championships: 4x (2000, 2001, 2002, 2006)
Total: 7

Pratt & Whitney Aircraft (1947-1960)
Season Titles: 3x (1953, 1954, 1955)
Playoff Championships: 3x (1953, 1954, 1957)
Total: 6

View GHTBL Champions here: GHTBL.org/Champions

by Weston Ulbrich

12 Inducted to GHTBL Hall of Fame, Class of 2023

The Greater Hartford Twilight League inducted a dozen into the Hall of Fame on Saturday, November, 19, 2023 at Indian Hill Country Club in Newington. Among the inductees were GHTBL President, Bill Holowaty as well as Kevin Beaudoin, Steve Cannata, Jack Champagne, Scott Jeamel, Tom Kirby, Walt Nakonechny, Adam Peters, Bunty Ray, Dave Sacco, Bobby Stefanik and Mike Susi. GHTBL Hall of Fame President, Steve Krajewski was the master of ceremonies.

Steven Cannata, Tom Abbruzzese, & Walt Nakonechny


Congratulations to all coaches and ballplayers! This class represents some of the top baseball names in the Greater Hartford area from the 1960’s to 2000’s. The event brochure, written by GHTBL Hall of Fame Committee Member Jack Hurley, will be posted at a later date. Here’s the presenting words given by the League Secretary inducting Bill Holowaty:

I’m proud to present the induction of our President, Bill Holowaty to the Executive Committee, recognizing league officials. Coach Holowaty is just the 10th person to earn this honor and the first since Jim Gallagher. What people might not realize about Bill is that he’s one of Connecticut’s all-time amateur sports figures.

He played basketball at UConn starting in 1964 – not too long ago. While in college he appeared in the Hartford Twilight League with Hamilton Standard. His teammates were fellow Hall of Fame inductees, Wally Widholm, Hal Lewis and Bill Risley. Holowaty only played for a few summers before graduating and embarking on a coaching career at Eastern – a fledgling college at the time. 

He built up the program by installing an attitude of toughness and hard work. His demands for excellence were unparalleled. Bill won his 1000th game at Eastern in the year 2000. The Warriors went to 39 postseasons in 45 years under Holowaty, who won 4 National Titles and a total of 1,412 games – more than any coach in New England. 

He led the project to build a baseball stadium at Eastern and it really should be called Bill Holowaty Stadium if you consider all that he achieved. Though he did help start the NECBL, Coach sent hundreds of players to the Twilight League. For example, one of his former players, Jim Schult has helped the East Hartford Jets win the last 4 championships.

After retiring from coaching, he agreed to be Twilight President in 2017. Everyone continued to call him Coach Holowaty and he immediately made us more competitive. He gave veteran players and longtime managers new energy. He started a golf tournament/fundraiser with Marc Levin. With Bill at the helm, the league has raised over $25,000 for charities with benefit games at Dunkin’ Park. A lot of his contributions have also been thanks to his wife Jan.  

Bill has has seen many obstacles for a guy born in 1945 from Little Falls, New York. He has fought through controversy and illness, and has won again and again. His sports career is rivaled by few. Before our state had Geno Auriemma, Jim Calhoun or Dan Hurley, we had Coach Holowaty winning National Championships. The Greater Hartford Twilight League is grateful for his leadership. We are in the best financial position we’ve even been in and he hasn’t asked for anything in return.

Coach, you’re now one of the Hall of Fame’s most well-known “baseball guys” – right up there with Phil Rizzuto an Honorary Member. Let’s put it this way; you’re one of two people in this room with a Wikipedia page. You are highly regarded, even today in this forgetful world. You’re a friend and a great role model. You’re one of a kind. Congratulations on the induction.

Bill Holowaty inducted to GHTBL Hall of Fame by Weston Ulbrich, League Secretary, 11/18/23.
by Weston Ulbrich

Eleven Big Names Inducted to Hall of Fame

On Saturday, November 5, 2022, the GHTBL Hall of Fame Committee organized a night to remember at Indian Hill Country Club in Newington, Connecticut. Eleven new inductees were officially honored and inducted as the Hall of Fame’s Class of 2022. Here’s the list of players (and one manager) who earned the league’s highest honor:

Scott Cormier
Mike Schweighoffer
Jim Snediker
Brian Marshall
Roberto Giansiracusa
Jason Maule
Jeff Johnson
Brett Burnham
Todd Mercier
Kevin Gieras
Thomas Abbruzzese

Congratulations to all inductees! Special thank you GHTBL Hall of Fame Committee, its President Steve Krajewski and Jack Hurley for your diligent efforts.

by Administrator

CT Patch Features Schweighoffer, Former GHTBL Star

Meet a Local Ex-Pro Ballplayer: Mike Schweighoffer, Farmington

By Tim Jensen, Patch Staff

FARMINGTON, CT — If Mike Schweighoffer was playing baseball today, no scout would even give him a look. The way the game has changed, no one would be interested in a pitcher who throws 83 MPH sinker balls, who never tossed a varsity inning until his senior year of high school, who attended a Division III college in Connecticut best known for its outstanding academic standards.

Fortunately for Schweighoffer, times were different in the early 1980s. Not only did a scout sign him to a professional contract, he spent four solid seasons in the Los Angeles Dodgers organization before embarking on an even more successful career, which continues today, as a banking executive.

Mike Schweighoffer, 2021

Now 59, Schweighoffer grew up in Hartford’s South End, and moved to Wethersfield just in time to start high school. He played football and baseball at now-defunct South Catholic High School, but even he never harbored dreams of someday becoming a professional athlete.

“I was a very late bloomer for my position,” he said in an exclusive interview with Patch. “I was an All-State shortstop, but had no expectations of playing pro ball.”

He chose to stay near home and attend Trinity College, where he majored in economics. He also went out for the baseball team, and made the squad as a pitcher. In his freshman campaign, “I was just a thrower,” but Schweighoffer learned the finer points about pitching from Bill Severni, who had played at Amherst College and overseas.

“Bill taught me more about pitching than any coach I ever had,” he said. “He taught me about mechanics, thinking about pitching and setting up hitters.”

As a junior with the Bantams, Schweighoffer played third base on days when he wasn’t pitching, and Trinity won the ECAC New England Regional championship. He also kept active during the summer by pitching for the Newington Capitols of the Greater Hartford Twilight League.

“By my senior year, my arm was hurting a bit,” he recalled. “I was still playing with Newington, but I graduated and accepted a position at Connecticut National Bank (CNB).”

Mike Schweighoffer, Vero Beach Dodgers, 1985.

That is, until fate intervened, in the form of longtime baseball scout Dick Teed of Windsor. Much to Schweighoffer’s shock, Teed offered him a contract with the Dodgers organization as an undrafted free agent. He signed the contract in late 1984, and resigned from the bank training program.

His first pro stop was Vero Beach in the Class-A Florida State League. Starting all 25 games in which he appeared, he posted a 10-11 record with an excellent 3.11 earned-run average. He was selected to the league all-star game, though he did not appear in the contest.

Hartford Courant article on Mike Schweighoffer by Tom Yantz, May 30, 1986.

The next season, Schweighoffer expected to play at Double-A San Antonio, and worked out with that club during most of spring training, but again fate intervened, this time in the form of Mother Nature.

“We had a few days of rain, and they needed someone to go to Melbourne for a game against the Twins,” he said. “I threw eight or nine pitches, all resulting in ground balls, and [San Antonio manager and former University of Hartford standout] Gary LaRocque said they wanted me in Triple-A. I didn’t believe it until the plane actually touched down in Albuquerque.”

Mike Schweighoffer, Albuquerque Dukes, 1986.

After skipping an entire level, Schweighoffer was used as a relief pitcher for most of the 1986 season, making 43 appearances. In the final month, the Dukes moved him back into the starting rotation, and he wound up with a 7-3 record.

His manager in Albuquerque was Terry Collins, who later piloted the New York Mets to the 2015 World Series. He also benefitted from a Connecticut connection.

“Terry was fiery and demanded a lot from the players, and Dave Wallace [of Waterbury] was a tremendous pitching coach,” he said.

1986 Albuquerque Dukes

Schweighoffer was asked to work on some new things during spring training in 1987, which he described as “mediocre.” He learned something during that training camp, however, which has stuck with him for more than three decades.

“Every day is a tryout, because no matter what you’re told, you still have to perform,” he said. “I use that to this day.”

Back under LaRocque in San Antonio, and converted again into a full-time starter, Schweighoffer posted a 4-4 record before being promoted back to Triple-A. Returning to Albuquerque meant returning to high elevations, and a switch back to the bullpen resulted in a 2-3 record and 5.33 ERA. The Dukes captured the Pacific Coast League title, which Schweighoffer dubbed one of the highlights of his professional playing career.


Mike Schweighoffer, Albuquerque Dukes, 1987.

The next spring, he was told he would be sent back to Double-A San Antonio, now guided by future Boston Red Sox skipper Kevin Kennedy. The Dodgers did not grant his request for a release, and he appeared in 43 games, including eight starts, with a 7-8 record and 3.96 ERA. At season’s end, he made the difficult decision to leave the game.

“I was 26 years old, had worked two winters at CNB and decided to give up playing,” he said. “I was also tired of dragging [his wife] Liz around the country.”


Mike Schweighoffer, San Antonio Missions, 1988.

With a number of former teammates making significant contributions, Los Angeles won the 1988 World Series in a shocking 4-game sweep of the heavily-favored Oakland Athletics. Despite never making it to the big dance, Schweighoffer said he had “absolutely zero bitterness and no regrets” about giving up the game.

“I got to pitch to Barry Bonds, Ken Caminiti, Sandy and Roberto Alomar,” he recalled. “Gary Sheffield took me deep one day; that ball is still rolling down I-10 in El Paso. I remember that at-bat like it was yesterday.”

He began working full-time at CNB in 1989, and is still active in the banking industry today. He is currently regional manager for commercial lending at People’s United Bank. He and Liz reside in Farmington, and they have three adult children – a daughter and twin boys.

Hartford Courant excerpt, 2008.

Despite having played professional baseball and being associated with some of the top stars in the game, Schweighoffer said his biggest baseball thrills came far away from any stadiums filled with paying customers.

“My best baseball memories are from Trinity, the Newington Capitols, coaching travel ball and Unionville American Legion, and being an assistant coach when my kids won Little League state titles in 2004 and 2005,” he said. “I just wanted to give back to the game.”

Original news article: https://patch.com/connecticut/farmington/meet-local-ex-pro-ballplayer-mike-schweighoffer-farmington

Other stories in this series: